Switzerland: Swiss Federal Council calls for discussions on regulation of communication platforms

On 17 November 2021, the Swiss Federal Council has called for discussions with regards to the regulation of communication platforms (e.g. search engines, social networks, multimedia platforms). The Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy, and Communications (UVEK) has been commissioned in this regard with issuing a discussion paper by the end of 2022 on how to address the regulation of large online platforms. This call is the first attempt in Switzerland to discuss potential legal acts regulating online hate speech, incorrect information, and a lack of transparency. Finally, it is also questioned, if regulation addressing users' rights and unethical business practices of online communication platforms in general, is needed.